Armstrong+Summary+Schoen

Hi class!

Mrs. Hill thought it might be nice for me to post my summary for others to view. Surprisingly enough, as unsure as I was about exactly what we were looking for, I seemed to have hit it right on! Imagine that! Anyway, I posted my summary for all of you to view. Maybe this will help anyone who was confused about the way the summary should be formatted. Good luck all!

-Terilynn Schoen Thursday, January 25, 2007

Chapter 1 Summary

Armstrong begins her discussion of myths by providing examples of how the Neanderthals most likely believed in something beyond the life that surrounded them. She bases this belief on what archaeologists have unearthed from the Neanderthal’s time, such as sacrificed animals, tools, and graves (Armstrong 1).

Humans in general, according to Armstrong, are probably one of the only creatures who try to explain experiences that otherwise have no rationale. Our imaginations are what enable us to have religion and sciences that have given us new technology to use in life (Armstrong 2-3).

Mythology is story telling of how we need to behave. It was developed to help humans deal with the problems they encounter every day. Humans are also knowledge seekers. We have a desire to know about our pasts and where we came from. Myths provide us with ideas about that happened before our time. Mythology can also be explained by asking ‘what if?’ questions. If those ‘what if?’ questions alter our life or our mind in any way then the myth has been effective (Armstrong 4-10). “If it (a myth) works, that is, if it forces us to change our minds and hearts, gives us new hope, and compels us to live more fully, it is a valid myth” (Armstrong 10).

Lastly, Armstrong also discusses how myths can change, or evolve, over time. As the circumstances and surroundings of our life change, the myths or stories that we tell must correspond. Therefore, we realize that mythology has been around for a very long time and will be here for probably even longer. Although the stories may change slightly, their meaning, or purpose, will remain the same (Armstrong 11).